In recent years, with the expansion of China's domestic cosmetics industry, numerous Chinese makeup brands have ventured into international markets. This article will outline the customs clearance procedures for exporting cosmetics.
I. Definition of Cosmetics
According to the Hygienic Standard for Cosmetics (GB7916-1987), cosmetics are defined as products used by applying, rubbing, or spreading them on any part of the human body's surface (such as the epidermis, hair, nails, lips, etc.) or on the oral mucosa and teeth, with the aim of cleaning, eliminating odors, skincare, beautifying, and altering appearance.
II. Procedures for Exporting
(I) Territorial Declaration Before Export. For the initial export of cosmetics, the following documents are required:
1. Self-declaration. A declaration by the company that it has obtained a cosmetics production license, the cosmetics comply with the relevant laws and standards of the importing country (or region), and that normal use will not endanger human health.
2. For packaged cosmetics for sale, foreign language label samples and their Chinese translations must be submitted.
Before departing the country, the declarant must select the names of the foreign trade contract, invoice, and packing list for outbound goods in the Single Window territorial inspection system. The declarant should also fill in the corresponding certificate numbers and other electronic information. Additionally, the declarant needs to select any certificates that require issuance by customs, such as an electronic original account or fumigation/disinfection certificate. Upload the necessary documents required for different situations, such as the identification result sheet for the use of packaging containers for dangerous goods when exporting nail polish.
(II) Territorial Customs Inspection. The customs office located in the manufacturer's area will review the documents submitted by the enterprise. If these meet the requirements, the declaration will be accepted. The territorial inspection department will perform on-site inspection, sampling, and testing of exported cosmetics according to the inspection content and requirements specified by control instructions, operation forms, and relevant regulatory documents.
(III) Comprehensive Evaluation. A comprehensive evaluation is conducted based on the results of on-site inspection and quarantine, sensory inspection outcomes, and laboratory test reports. If deemed qualified, an electronic original account data number will be issued, and the corresponding inspection and quarantine certificate will be granted based on the enterprise's application.
For exported cosmetics that fail inspection and quarantine, technical treatment is allowed under customs supervision. Only after they pass re-inspection and quarantine, they may be exported. If technical treatment is not possible or if re-inspection after treatment still shows non-compliance, export will not be permitted. If mandatory inspection and quarantine items such as those concerning safety and health are found to be non-compliant, a thorough follow-up investigation must be conducted on the defective products to identify causes. The manufacturer should be ordered to undertake corrective actions.
(IV) Re-inspection. If producers and operators of exported cosmetics dispute the customs inspection results, the customs will organize and conduct re-inspection in accordance with the relevant re-inspection provisions for imported and exported goods. Customs will not accept re-inspection requests in the following situations:
1. The test results reveal that microbiological indicators exceed the standards;
2. The backup samples for re-inspection have exceeded their shelf life;
3. The backup samples cannot be re-inspected due to other reasons.
(V) Export Declaration. Exporters or their agents use electronic original account data provided by local customs to submit export declarations. Port customs will perform spot checks based on control instructions. Those who pass the inspection at the port will be allowed to clear customs. Those who fail the inspection and cannot be processed technically or remain unqualified after technical treatment shall not be exported.
(VI) Supervision of Enterprises. Each directly-affiliated customs office implements enterprise supervision and management through "management verification" and "overseas notification verification" methods.
III. Important Considerations
(I) Export cosmetics manufacturers must ensure their products comply with the standards or contractual requirements of the importing country (region). If there are no applicable standards in the importing country (region) and no requirements in the contract, the GACC may designate relevant standards.
(II) Export cosmetics manufacturers must establish systems for raw material procurement, acceptance, and usage management, along with production recording and inspection recording systems. All relevant records should be retained for a minimum of two years.
(III) For cosmetics processed from supplied materials and wholly re-exported, if, upon import, they provide documents that meet the regulations or standards of the intended re-export country (or region), they can be exempt from inspections under our country's standards. The processed products should be inspected and quarantined in accordance with the standards of the destination country (or region).
Disclaimer：The above content is translated from Chinese version of Xuexi.cn, China Customs. The Xuexi.cn, China Customs version shall prevail.